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Modern Armchairs

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Modern
Bold Armchair - Anouk 100
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

MW02 " Gold Cane " armchair by Olivier Santini - handmade in france
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
The MW02 Cannage gold Armchair embodies timeless elegance, an iconic symbol of Dior. This chair is simultaneously a haven of comfort, a decorative asset, and a precious collectible i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Gold Leaf

NEW armchair in black fabric. By Legame Italia
Located in Pistoia, IT
The Di Nuovo armchair echoes the characteristic lines of 1970s design; it has an abundant and generous shape, with a wide seat and high back. The name in Italian is meant for what this furniture represents to designer Ricardo Antonio, an armchair that welcomes us like a hug. 'Again' every moment, as if it were the first time. Di Nuovo line includes sofa and armchair. It can be upholstered in fabric in the range offered by Legame Italia...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Bold Armchair - Anouk 304
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Love Seat
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expressing modern design excellence, the Bold Love Seat is a testament to the artistry of luxury living. Decades of design expertise are showcased through an elegant and refined aest...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Armchair - Anouk 105
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

DS-60 Armchair by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-60 armchair by De Sede Designer: Gordon Guillaumier Dimensions: D 54 x W 74 x H 76 cm Materials: Metal frame. Seat with belted suspension Fixed upholstery and armrest in leather S...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian Plona armchair by Piretti for Anonima Castelli in leather and steel 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Plona model armchair, folding, with chrome-plated oval aluminum tube frame and original black leather seat. Circa 1970 production by Anonima Castelli and 1969 design by Giancarlo Pir...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Bold Armchair - Karakorum 003 by Dedar
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high-quality materials, combined ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Armchair Interview by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1989
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
By Poltrona Frau the "Intervista" model designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli in 1989 , which originated as a television studio armchair. Proposed here in a beautiful brick orange c...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Six Chairs with a Pair of 20th Century Italian Armchairs
Located in Madrid, ES
Six Chairs with a Pair of 20th Century Italian Armchairs SIX CHAIRS in walnut with Italian vintage white fabric h 95.5 x 45 x 45cm PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS in walnut with Italian vintage ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Italian armchairs, brown leather and chrome-plated steel, Cassina ca. 1970.
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian and modern period armchairs in brown leather and chrome-plated steel, produced by Cassina ca. 1970. Pair of brown leather office or desk armchairs with chrome-plated steel ar...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Bold Armchair
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Mw02 "Pop" design armchair, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
Olivier SANTINI's "MW02 POP" armchair, handmade in France, comes in a signed and numbered edition, MW022212. The POP model is a modern, unique armchair with a delightfully carefree...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Armchair chair model Orgone production Cappellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Armchair Chair Model Orgone designed by Marc Newson and produced by Cappellini Italia. Sculpture polypropylene/plastic armchair for indoor or outdoor use. Marc Newson has designed an...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Digamma by Ignazio Gardella, Set of 2 with 2 Pouf
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed by Ignazio Gardella in 1957, the Digamma armchair is a comfortable chair rooted in the tradition of late Italian modernism. Its rational structure features two geometric sec...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Mario Bellini "Forma" Cantilever Armchair for Vitra, Italy 1990s
Located in Budapest, HU
The now historic story goes: “About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian modern armchair Proust by Alessandro Mendini for Cappellini, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchair Proust by Alessandro Mendini for Cappellini, 1990s Armchair mod. Proust with fabric and hand-painted wood. The pattern of the fabric and the decoration on the...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Surrealist Salivasofa 'Original' Prototype Red Lips Sofa By Salvador Dali
Located in Barcelona, ES
In the pioneering year of 1972, the visionary duo of Salvador Dalí and Oscar Tusquets unveiled their very first prototype sofa, a testament to their inn...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Brown, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner Dimensions: D 80 x W 79.7 x H 78.5 cm Materials: Sheepskin Available in different fabrics. ‘Mor...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Green, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gravel, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gray, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Leather Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Black lacquered solid beech structure. Seat covered in full-grain black leather. Technique: Lacquered and stained wood. Uphol...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

1970s upholstered armchair with headrest
Located in Premariacco, IT
Italian 1970s design armchair with black fabric-covered frame and removable upholstered cushions. It has a removable headrest that can be removed as desired. H 39cm seat. Height wi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Polyester, Rubber

Black Goatskin Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Goatskin Altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Black lacquered solid beech structure. Seat covered with black Mongolian goatskin. Technique: Lacquered and stained wood...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Goatskin, Goat Hair, Beech

Chauffeuse d'angle Togo "peau de pêche" par Michel Ducaroy pour Ligne Roset
Located in SAINT-ESTÈVE, FR
Très belle chauffeuse d'angle, modèle Togo, créée par Michel Ducaroy pour Ligne Roset dans les années 70. Modèle en "peau de pêche" datant du début des a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Poltrona Plona italiana di Piretti per Anonima Castelli in pelle e acciaio 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Poltrona modello Plona, pieghevole, con struttura in tubo di alluminio ovale cromato e seduta in pelle nera originale. Produzione di Anonima Castelli del 1970 ca. e disegno di Gianca...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of guillerme et chambron oak armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A large pair of oak arm chairs "Romeo" by Guillerme et chambray edition votre maison
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Solid Wood and Woven Papercord Armchair, Europe 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Twisted paper cord as a form of upholstery has been used to form the seats of European chairs since the 1940s, but through the 1950s and 1970s, paper cord became perhaps the most dis...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Papercord, Wood

Pair Of Harris Armchairs By Joseph Jeup
By Joe Jeup
Located in London, London
Pair of armchairs Harris model By Joseph Jeup Contemporary USA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of 2 Oak Armchair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Oak armchair by Collector Dimensions: W 75 x D 70 x H 77 cm Materials: Fabric, oak wood Other materials available The Collector brand aims to be part of the daily lif...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic sage green for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Piazzesi Armchairs model "Okay," A. Piazzesi, Italy, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pair of Okay model armchairs in black Sky and steel. The armchairs designed by designer Adriano Piazzesi and produced by Studio Tre D Florence are distinguished not only by their wel...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Lotus Armchair - Modern Brown Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lotus Armchair - Modern White Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic yellow for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

6 Seville Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Seville Armchair design is shaped with agile and swirling contours, gifting it an unspoken grace of its own. Its structure is shaped from curved plywood veneer with an upholstere...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Hokkaido Armchairs - Modern Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Hokkaido armchair imbues the environment with an oriental style with its Minimalist and simple design, like quick strokes over an empty canvas. Its structure is shaped from stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

6 Branch Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Branch armchair's organic shape was designed to take inspiration from its natural roots, bringing a grasp of the outdoors back into our houses. Its structure is shaped from curve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Aura Armchairs - Modern and minimalistic oak armchair with upholstered seat
Located in London, GB
The Aura Armchair combines a minimalist and ethereal shape, in an eye-catching design. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with an upholstered seat which can be customized...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Vertex Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Vertex armchair design evocates geometric harmony from every one of its angles, luring the eye into its capricious crevices. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Aura Armchairs - Modern and minimalistic oak armchair with upholstered seat
Located in London, GB
The Aura Armchair combines a minimalist and ethereal shape, in an eye-catching design. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with an upholstered seat which can be customized...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Umbra Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Umbra armchair has an embracing and minimalistic design, playing with slim silhouettes and contrasts it gives a sense of comfort to the eye. Its structure is shaped from stained ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

8 Vertex Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Vertex armchair design evocates geometric harmony from every one of its angles, luring the eye into its capricious crevices. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Branch Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Branch armchair's organic shape was designed to take inspiration from its natural roots, bringing a grasp of the outdoors back into our houses. Its structure is shaped from curve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Hokkaido Armchairs - Modern Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Hokkaido armchair imbues the environment with an oriental style with its Minimalist and simple design, like quick strokes over an empty canvas. Its structure is shaped from stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

8 Seville Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Seville Armchair design is shaped with agile and swirling contours, gifting it an unspoken grace of its own. Its structure is shaped from curved plywood veneer with an upholstere...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Umbra Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Umbra armchair has an embracing and minimalistic design, playing with slim silhouettes and contrasts it gives a sense of comfort to the eye. Its structure is shaped from stained ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic white color for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic salmon pink for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic blue color for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Armchair Poly in plastic reinforced col. antracithe for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Patchwork Bean Bag brown Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage Bean Bag upholstered with brown patchwork leather and filled with polystyrene beads. Armchair Lounge Chair in aniline leather. Original leather f...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Foam, Polystyrene

Set of 2 rattan armchair by Lio Carminati, 1960 circa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of two rattan armchairs by Lio Carminati, circa 1960, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century design and the skilled craftsmanship of Italian designer Lio...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Pair of contemporary lounge armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Stylish and elegant pair of contemporary armchairs. Straight back with a fixed drop arm construction allowing  the open back design.  Standing on stained black ash tapering legs. S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Ash

Wonatti Kotor Armchair, Lacquered Wood Armchair, Red Suede Armchair
Located in Vila Nova De Famalicão, 03
A true statement of luxury We are combining the finest and ancient craftsmanship with luxurious levels of design, quality, and comfort. Kotor Armchair, Modern Collection, Lacquered...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Suede, Wood

Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, De Sede, Jaime Hayon, and Philippe Starck. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $139 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $4,833.

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